This course is a natural history deep dive tailored to the unique needs of teachers interested in building a greater familiarity with the environment in which they teach. Participants will:

• Build a framework for viewing the land and its inhabitants that relieves the discomfort of not knowing how to identify everything.

• Become familiar with common birds and their song, basic tree and plant identification, wild edible safety, geology, and stream ecology.

• Practice seasonal lessons and routines that deepen a partnership with the land and align with NGSS and Common Core.

• Practice strategies for bridging the gap between learning that takes place outdoors and in the classroom.